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Lamine Yamal Is Bringing Back The Beautiful Game
In an era of football dominated by robotic systems and structures, Lamine Yamal’s individuality and flair bring back much-needed enjoyment to the beautiful game.
Consistently displaying the confidence and maturity of a seasoned professional, it’s easy to forget that this is only the 17-year-old’s second full season of men’s football. Not only is he carrying the torch for jinky ballers worldwide, but his fearlessness in expressing himself on and off the pitch is creating a lane for the new wave.
In 2024 the teenager graduated top of his class, consolidating his place among the best players in the world. After a breakout year with Barcelona, he set his sights on the Euros. On his way to eternal glory, he smashed every record, becoming the youngest player to feature in a European Championship final, the youngest scorer in the tournament’s history, and the youngest player to ever feature in a EURO final. Bagging five goals and assists in six starts, he played a key role in the Spanish triumph. Arriving at the tournament as a burgeoning talent, he left a bonafide champion with a winner’s medal around his neck and the admiration of the football world.
He headed into the new campaign with his high school diploma, along with a Euro winners medal, Young Player of the Tournament, and Goal of the Tournament – not to mention the Golden Boy award and Kopa Trophy. After his generational run in ‘24, this kid has become the baby GOAT.
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This season the 17-year-old has been taking it up a notch, hitting 34 goals and assists in 45 starts for Barcelona as they sit four points clear at the top of La Liga and look ahead to a Champions League semi-final tie against Inter Milan. Taking the baton from the ‘little boy in Rosario’, he has become the face of the franchise as Hansi Flick’s side chases a historic treble.
A key feature of his campaign has been his relentless commitment to playing with freedom, doing so with record-breaking success. The undisputed number one playmaker in the world, he’s at the top of the list for big chances created in open play, the most successful dribbles in the top 7 leagues, not to mention the most successful dribbles in a single La Liga match – hitting eleven against Alaves, nine against Las Palmas, and nine vs Osasuna. No other player has completed more than seven. And despite playing with the freedom of the cages he’s become a thorn in opposition defences week in and week out, threatening to impact the game with every touch.
While the stats speak for themselves, he doesn’t just talk with his feet. From pre-game stories to post-game clapbacks, this baller fears no one.
During the most recent international break, Yamal responded to Rafael van de Vaart’s criticism of the low style of his shorts with a certified banger for Spain. The youngster then went one further, celebrating by posing with his shorts low, and posting a picture of the celebration next to the Dutch pundit’s face on Instagram after full-time. The post garnered 4.7 million likes and over 42,500 comments, showing the demand from fans for authentic content from athletes.
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While not on the level of LeBron and Stephen A. Smith, it is refreshing to see ballers standing up against naysayers and speaking their minds. For too long, they’ve had to hold their tongues and refrain from speaking out. But when you’re walking the walk on the pitch, you’re entitled to talk the talk.
These exchanges bring an edge back to a sport tamed by media training and represent a key shift in football as players are becoming more empowered to challenge mainstream narratives. The body language argument peddled by pundits and the media has often been used to personally target footballers who don’t conform to the traditional mould and dare to be different. VDV’s statement “I see mannerisms that I don’t really want to see,” epitomises an archaic perception of football, one which rejects personality. But Yamal’s refusal to conform is refreshing and it is his uniqueness which is his superpower so why would we demand him to change?
And while he restores the feeling with his feet, he has also taken individuality on the pitch to new heights. In October, the youngster collaborated with Spanish jewellery label TwoJeys, rocking custom braces featuring the iconic Blaugrana colours and the brand’s signature star pattern during El Clásico. A fitting match for Barcelona’s starboy, who scored in a 4-0 win at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Given the vibes he brings, it’s no surprise he is Barcelona’s designated changing room DJ, responsible for setting the tone on matchday and getting the team ready to show out. A glimpse at his Spotify Wrapped for 2024 puts Spanish-Moroccan artist Morad at the top of his rankings, with his love for Spanish Dril and Reggaeton also on display through artists like Myke Towers and Anuel AA.
His passion for music isn’t limited to the dressing room, often posting viral TikToks with close friend and Spanish teammate Nico Williams, with his most recent video jumping on the Afrobeats track ‘Shake Body’ by Skales. His lyrical versatility highlights his creativity on the ball, regularly pulling off eye-of-the-needle passes.
@lamine.yamalShake body🕺🏾😭😂♬ Shake Body – Skales
On Saturday night, the winger dropped a classic in El Clásico whilst donning bleach-blond hair. Two assists to his name helped Barcelona clinch the Copa del Rey title and secured a third win over Real Madrid in three attempts this season.
During the post-game celebrations, the wonderkid wore two pairs of sunglasses whilst embracing the King of Spain, Felipe VI and Barcelona president Joan Laporta as he collected his winner’s medal, highlighting that Yamal doesn’t hold back his self-expression for anyone.
Looking like a baby Neymar with his new trim, he epitomises the Brazilian’s mantra ‘ousadia e alegria.’ Playing with a boldness and joy rare to see in modern football, he’s restoring hope that the game might well and truly be back for good.
But as he storms to the top, the 17-year-old hasn’t forgotten his roots. Regularly paying homage to the ends with his trademark ‘304’ celebration, a tribute to his childhood town Rocafonda where he grew up with his father. Despite his youthfulness, he’s become a certified neighbourhood hero. His tribute to the ends, where he played on the concrete court, unable to afford registration fees to play at the local stadium, reiterates his authenticity.
Despite the fame, awards, and unrelenting attention, he remains the humble Lamine to whom many in his town can attest – a beacon of hope and inspiration. The love is reciprocated as the area is adorned with tributes to him, from murals to shirts, as they celebrate one of the few who made it out the ends.
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The Golden Boy is now on track to becoming a Hall of Famer. His commitment to staying true to himself and showcasing his personality makes him a key flagbearer for the new era of football – one that reignites the lost creativity and individuality of the past. From delicate dribbles to custom braces, the mercurial winger is restoring the feeling, putting the beautiful back in the game we all love.
All the doubters be warned, this isn’t a false dawn. We are officially in the era of Lamine Yamal.
‘Surely with hardship comes ease’ – Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6)
They often say you are a product of your environment. But Oday Dabbagh is living proof that you can embrace the experience of different cultures while being a powerful representative of your nation. We sat down with the 26-year-old Palestinian striker to delve deeper into his journey so far, the importance of authentic representation, self-expression through different mediums, faith, and much more.
Oday Dabbagh rose to global acclaim during his recent loan spell at Aberdeen, making the move to Scotland in the January transfer window earlier this year. The move proved fruitful for the striker as he ended the season a champion, lifting the Scottish Cup. His form has since earned him a summer move to Egyptian powerhouse, Zamalek SC, swapping the Scottish Highlands for the Cairo sun.
(Jack Rowley)
Born and raised in the Old City in Jerusalem, Dabbagh reflects on his childhood with great fondness. “It was a beautiful childhood. Since I was young, I used to play football in the alleys of the old town, and my relationship with my family was wonderful. I will say, they cared more about studying than football, but we found a compromise in the end.” [laughs]
A keen footballer from the very beginning, Dabbagh was one of many Palestinian children playing football with their friends at any opportune moment. Given the nation’s passion for the game, I was curious to learn more about why football plays such a big role in Palestinian culture.
“I think globally, this sport is so important because it really brings people together – fans, teams, players, countries. For us, it gives our people an incredible sense of pride. But beyond that, sport is powerful because it’s a gateway to build bridges.”
For Oday Dabbagh, football was that bridge, allowing him to play the sport he loves professionally. Despite typical Arab familial expectations on pursuing education, which I’m sure many of us can relate to, Oday’s breakthrough into the professional game came while he was just a teenager.
(Hussein Mardini – 3XV Sports)
“It was a wonderful feeling. I was very motivated to show my abilities, and that experience was the start of everything for me. That launched me into the Palestine U-18 Youth National Team Championship. To be honest, I didn’t expect to reach that stage at the time. I think I’ve always focused on working hard in the moment rather than anticipating what could be or what could come next. That mindset probably reduced the pressure on me.”
Making his professional debut in the Palestinian domestic league for Hilal Al-Quds at 16, he then guided the club to three consecutive West Bank Premier League titles. And became the league’s top goalscorer in 2019, bagging 16 goals.
Staunchly determined to succeed, Oday’s domestic exploits meant the youngster was garnering attention across both Europe and the Middle East, with the then-20-year-old opting to make the move to Kuwait. In the face of European interest, one would assume that it would be the most desirable option, but once again Dabbagh displays the level-headedness that has held him in good stead thus far in his career.
“I chose Kuwait because it was my first professional experience, and I wanted to adapt in an Arab country first. It turned out to be a really good decision that prepared me for Europe later.”
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Despite the elation of securing his first professional contract abroad, Oday admits to having mixed feelings about leaving home. “My feelings were mixed… joy, sadness, and fear. But once you get on the plane, those feelings disappear because you know you’re going toward your goal and you have to achieve it. Of course, I missed my family and friends, and that was difficult. But I learned a lot, and it only strengthened my dedication to my dream.”
Since making the move to Kuwait, Oday has played in six different countries, and he can’t speak highly enough of the experiences he’s had, particularly the impact it has had on developing his style.
“I’m really happy I played in so many countries. I learned new cultures, met new people, and picked up different styles of football. It made me adaptable. With style, each place has its own identity, but you also get this mix of cultures from other players – music, fashion, food, language… That has shaped me a lot, on and off the pitch.”
(@IMAGO)
Thriving at club level, Oday’s most prolific achievements have come on the international stage. Representing Palestine, the striker has gone from strength to strength with the “Lions of Canaan,” becoming the nation’s all-time top scorer with 16 goals in 45 appearances. Not only is he putting the nation on his back on the pitch, but Oday is a proud ambassador of his Palestinian identity, as he doubles down on how important the role is to him.
“I believe that this did not come out of nowhere; it came as a result of continuous work and commitment. I am truly proud to be a representative of my country, and I certainly thank every person who supported me or helped me to reach this level. It is a great thing to be an ambassador for your country.”
But football isn’t the only medium through which the 26-year-old chooses to express himself. A self-proclaimed fashion head, Oday’s style is equally versatile and experimental. Perhaps that may come as no surprise, given the melting-pot of experiences he’s had playing in six different countries.
(Hussein Mardini – 3XV Sports)
Most importantly, Oday firmly believes in the power of fashion as a vehicle of self-expression and identity, “It’s very powerful. It gives us the space to be ourselves and to show the moments and experiences we’ve picked up along the way.”
Not only does he represent his identity through football and fashion, but his very name pays homage to the culture he holds most dear. Names possess significant meaning in Palestinian culture, and so with that in mind, I asked Oday what his name means, to which he said: “Adi is an old Arabic name that means ‘running’ or a ‘fast enemy.’ Quite ironic, when one considers his attributes on the field, with speed and tenacity key hallmarks of his game.
‘Surely with hardship comes ease’ – Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6)
A powerful verse from the Quran that serves as a reminder that every difficulty is accompanied with relief, and even in difficult situations, there are blessings and ease.
With hardship an inevitability in football, it is crucial to bounce back from tough situations, and I was keen to explore how Oday motivates himself during periods of difficulty in the game.
“I tell myself that I am here to achieve a goal, and I cannot give up. And that is how I overcome difficulties. I talk to myself and motivate myself every time. Then I have my family, faith, and a deeper dream to make a difference. I do want to inspire young players. And when I remind myself of all of these things, I never stop pushing forward.”
(Palestine National Team)
At just 26, Oday Dabbagh’s story is far from over; from making his mark domestically, to securing his first professional contract and leaving home at just 20, to now being the face of the franchise for his national team.
As he settles into the lively city of Cairo, surrounded by history, the forward has not once forgotten his roots. Motivated by his hardships, a determination to make his family proud, and fulfil his goals, Oday is fast “running” to the top as one of the most influential figures in the game, transcending the boundaries of football, fashion, and identity, not to mention the “fast enemy” being a constant thorn in the side of opposition defences.
After reflecting for the vast majority of this conversation, it seemed poignant to conclude by looking ahead, asking Oday what he would like his legacy to be.
“That I gave it my all on and off the pitch, and that I took that, and used it to make an impact for the next generation. And that next generation did the same.”
Forever selfless, Oday Dabbagh is an inspiration and a role model, determined to use his growing profile to embrace his identity and advocate against injustice. Dabbagh’s career thus far has been remarkable, but his story has just begun.
As he celebrates his 28th birthday, Marcus Rashford will no doubt be aiming to push on after his strong start to the season, racking up 11 goals and assists in just 11 starts. But while Rashy invariably looks forward, we decided to look back, paying homage to the work he’s done and the impact he’s had, especially off the pitch.
The Mancunian burst onto the scene back in 2016, introducing himself to the Old Trafford faithful with a brace in the Europa League against Midtjylland. That same week, Rashy bagged yet another brace, this time in the Premier League against Arsenal. Destined for greatness, the path hasn’t always been smooth, but one thing is for certain: Marcus Rashford is the voice of the streets.
More than a footballer, Rashford never forgets his roots. Not only did he force a government U-turn during the COVID pandemic over free school meals, but he has also built libraries in primary schools across the UK and consistently supported his former primary school in Wythenshawe. Not to mention linking up with Carl Anka to write inspirational books for children.
From books to the booth, it’s no secret Rashy rocks with Lil Baby – just look at the EFL Cup celebrations in 2023 with Jadon Sancho. MBE has also linked up with DBE, as well as fellow Mancuinian Meekz. After a tough few years, Rashford has been ‘DUE4AWIN’ for a while, and he’s running it back in style this season.
Coming a long way from matching fits with Jesse Lingard, Rashford knows how to put it on. But after making a stand for what’s right, and giving back to those less fortunate, a situation Rashford can personally relate to, the pendulum of favour shifted. Despite his positive contributions, his charitable work has often been weaponised against him, in response to normal fluctuations in form. As layering chains, and supporting the next generation of underprivileged children, became seemingly incompatible.
The backlash he faced after his trip to watch the New York Knicks last November, epitomises the intense scrutiny players face when simply expressing themselves, as most of the discourse challenged his professionalism and used his outfit as justification of said criticism.
First and foremost, Rashford looked fly as hell in his LV hoodie and chains, not to mention the dope gold grillz. But most importantly, why is it being used against him when he is entitled to rock whatever drip he wants to? The whole narrative in mainstream media around black footballers and black athletes in general when it comes to self-expression needs to be questioned.
There is a fine line between criticism and personal attacks, and it often feels as though the discourse is targeted at Marcus the person rather than Rashford the footballer.
Granted his form during the trip wasn’t the best but he would be the first to admit that. Ultimately, you can criticise his efficacy on the pitch, but a line must be drawn.
In a time of increased mental health awareness within football, the media must be held responsible for their persistent efforts to challenge his integrity as a human being. Rashford has made some mistakes, and he will likely continue to make them, but what individual in their twenties hasn’t? Whenever the media discusses Marcus Rashford, they mention his wages, cars, and clothes. Yet, there is complete silence when it comes to his positive work.
From 39, to 19, to 10, Rashford is on his way back to being number 1. Whether he’s backstage at DBE concerts or linking up with Prince William, Rashford has always been more than a footballer. A cultural icon for his playing style, philanthropy, and positive impact, it’s time we appreciated what he has achieved at a young age.
In the words of Marcus Rashford: “If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better.”
Happy Birthday, Rashy.